3.1 - Different Electoral Systems Flashcards
List:
How does FPTP create a strong government?
- Clear mandate
- Unlikely to create a coalition
How can FPTP provide representation?
- MPs have a strong link to constituents
- MPs hold surgeries
- Voting is simple so people can understand it
How does FPTP negatively affect minor parties?
- Benefits parties with concentrated support - E.G. SNP
- Minor parties are unlikely to have candidates in safe seats
- Votes for minor parties are often wasted
How is FPTP unproportional?
- Often results in a government with less than 50% of the vote
- MPs can have less than 50% of the popular vote
List:
The disadvantages of FPTP
- Unproportional
- Limited choice
- Do not need popular vote
List:
The advantages of FPTP
- Clear mandate
- Simple system
- Strong link to constituency
How is the ballot filled out under STV?
Candidates numbered in order of preference
How is the election quota calculated in STV?
Droop formula
How are constituencies arranged under STV?
Multi-member constituencies
What happens if no candidate reaches the quota in STV?
The lowest candidate is eliminated and their second choices are redistributed
How does STV help minor parties?
- Multi-member constituencies mean voters can do a split ticket
- Parties with a thinly spread vote can win seats
How does STV increase government legitimacy?
- Fewer wasted votes because voters have ranked preferences
- Voters have more choice
Example:
Parties with concentrated support benefit from FPTP
- SNP - 1.4 m votes - 56 seats
- UKIP - 3.8 m votes - 1 seat
How does STV decrease legitimacy?
- Weak link between MPs and constituents
- voting system is more complicated - people may not understand it
- Donkey voting
What does STV stand for?
Single transferable vote
Where is AMS used?
- Welsh assembly
- Scottish parliament
How is the ballot filled out in AMS?
- One vote for a constituency representative
- One vote for a party list
How are constituencies arranged in AMS?
Multi-member constituencies
How are members chosen in AMS?
- Constituency representative chosen by FPTP
- Additional members added to match voting outcome
What are the advantages of AMS?
- Strong link between the FPTP MP and constituents
- Increases proportionality
- Gives voters more choice - Split ticket
What are the disadvantages of AMS?
- Smaller parties are less represented
- Party list candidates have less legitimacy than FPTP MPs
Where is SV used?
- London mayoral elections
- Police and crime commissioners
How is the ballot filled out in SV?
First and second preference vote
How are winners chosen in SV?
- Candidate who wins 50% of the vote wins
- No candidate gets 50% - all candidates eliminated except top 2
- Second preference votes distributed
